Minor Illness Appointments

Antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat infections because:

• Many infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not effective.
• Antibiotics are often unlikely to speed up the healing process and can cause side effects.
• The more antibiotics are used to treat trivial conditions, the more likely they are to become ineffective for treating more serious conditions.
   
  Both the NHS and health organisations across the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics, especially for health problems that are not serious.

For example, antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat:

chest infections
ear infections in children
sore throats

Please do not expect to be issued an antibiotic for a cough as it usually clears up in 3- 4 weeks

Cough - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week. Please click on the link for advice when to contact the GP Practice

Sore throat - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You can often treat a cold without seeing a GP. You should begin to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Common cold - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection. It's common and usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. But medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away.

Sinusitis (sinus infection) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful but is not usually a sign of anything serious.

Earache - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You can purchase antibiotics drops, if necessary, from your local pharmacy if your child is over 2 years of age . Please do not contact the practice for a prescription unless your child is aged under 2 years of age or you have been assessed and then advised by the pharmacist to book an appointment for a more serious condition.

Conjunctivitis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The paramedics are fully trained in Minor illness. At all times they have access to the Duty Doctor who is able to provide advice and sign off prescriptions if required. For minor illness appointments, for conditions such as a chest infection, urinary tract infection, tonsillitis, sinusitis, ear infections, please call the surgery at 8am Monday to Friday on 0118 9874551 to arrange a minor illness appointment. If your minor illness can be treated by your Community Pharmacist, you will be referred to a pharmacy of your choice under the Pharmacy First service.

Doctor's appointments are available for more complex, ongoing conditions only. GP appointments are only bookable by phone as they need to be reserved for patients with more serious medical issues. 

If you are unable to get through to the practice, please call NHS 111 for medical advice.

Online booking is available for: 

• Mental health practitioner - for new, adult mental health symptoms, no medication
• Smear tests in the practice
• Medication reviews with a member of the pharmacy team  
• Blood tests
• Annual diabetic reviews
• Physiotherapy assessment appointments

Please ensure you are on time for your appointment, patients who arrive late will not be seen. 

When you book you will be asked to state briefly the nature of your appointment to enable us to direct you to the most appropriate member of the health care team.